Khawar shines in Oman’s win over Nepal

Oman Observer

3 months ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Oman registered its first win in the six-nation Asia Cup Qualifier, beating Nepal by 7 wickets thanks to Khawar Ali’s superb unbeaten 84 here on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 222 to win, Oman chased down the total in 48 overs, losing only three wickets in the process. Khawar’s 96-ball knock included 6 fours and 4 sixes. He got wonderful support from captain Zeeshan Maqsood who contributed a scintillating 45 off just 36 balls including 3 fours and 3 sixes. Vaibhav Wategaonkar (41 off 69) and Jatinder Singh (30 off 67) were the other notable scorers.

Earlier, Oman bowled well to restrict Nepal to a modest 221 for 9 in 50 overs. Sagar Pun (83 off 84), G Malla (45 off 60) and Aarif Shaikh (36 off 74) were the main scorers. Oman’s Ajay Lalcheta, Bilal Khan and Muhammed Nadeem bagged two wickets each. Coach Duleep Mendis was delighted at Oman’s first win.“It was a good game and great victory for Oman. Nepal has an ODI status and to beat an ODI-status country is an achievement itself. The bowlers did a good job restricting Nepal to a modest total though our fielding was not up to our usual standards. However, our batsmen compensated for some ordinary fielding by batting responsibly and brilliantly. I hope the boys will keep the same momentum going into the next few games,” said Oman coach.
Brief scores: Nepal 221 for 7 in 50 overs (Sagar Pun 83 – 6×4, 2×6, G Malla 45 – 6×4, 1×6), Aarif Shaikh 36 – 3×4, 1×6. Ajay Lalcheta 2-34, Bilal Khan 2,54, Muhammed Nadeem 2-67) lost to Oman 224 for 3 in 48 overs (Khawar Ali 84 not out – 6×4, 4×6, Zeeshan Maqsood 45 – 3×4, 3×6, Vaibhav Wategaonkar 41 – 2×4, Jatinder Singh 30 – 3×4) by 7 wickets.